The Best Singles of 2009

Bishop Allen - "Oklahoma"

Bishop Allen has perfected the art of crafting pop music that’s devoid of everything people hate about pop music. The hooks are catchy without being cloying. The music is simple without seeming insignificant or full of fluff and filler. The lyrics are witty and occasionally engage in wordplay, but the songs are not smug or too brainy. The songs are bright and sparkly without being just plain annoying. The wagon-train feel of “Oklahoma”, like a westward expedition, moves everyone along at a sprightly pace. When it finally builds to its chorus’ chanting of “oh oh oh”, you’re fully immersed in the journey, and it’s hard to stop yourself from singing along. Marisa LaScala

Marisa LaScala is a writer and editor in Brooklyn, NY. In addition to PopMatters, her work has appeared in Bustle, The A.V. Club, mental_floss, and The Condé Nast Traveler. You can see her work at mlascalawriting.com, or follow her on Twitter at @mar_to_go.